Kidnapping Goes Bad in Pattaya, Russians Arrested

Police blockaded a section of North Road near Sukhumvit Road and managed to corral two Honda sedans, then negotiated with the alleged kidnappers for half an hour before rescuing a beaten and sedated Janek Keersalu (near pole)

CHONBURI – Police in Pattaya foiled the abduction of an Estonian real estate agent (Janek Keersalu) snatched from his condominium by a gang of Thai and international kidnappers.

Police blockaded a section of North Road near Sukhumvit Road June 24 to corral two Honda sedans, then negotiated with the alleged kidnappers for half an hour before rescuing a beaten and sedated Janek Keersalu, 34.

Russian Sergey Erokin (right), former Thai Air Force officer Wornwat Asawadechapongthorn and Peruvian Alexander Trujillo have been charged with conspiracy to commit assault, kidnapping, robbery and various drug and weapons charges.

Keersalu’s wife called police after seeing her husband abducted by six men in the parking lot of the Ocean Pearl Condominium on Pratamnak Soi 5.

Arrested were Russian Sergey Erokin, 52, former Thai Air Force officer Wornwat Asawadechapongthorn, 40, and Peruvian Alexander Trujillo, 41. They were charged with conspiracy to commit assault, kidnapping, robbery and various drug and weapons charges. Police continued to search for three accomplices.

Police said the kidnapping unfolded after Keersalu allegedly attempted to swindle Trujillo out of 4 million baht by transferring the title deeds of a newly purchased condo to himself, then flee with the cash. Trujillo told police that when he confronted the property broker, Keersalu threatened to kill him.

Police said the Peruvian retaliated by hiring Wornwat, who put together a team of Russian hitmen to kidnap and kill the Estonian. The used a taser and hammer to attack Keersalu and stuff him in the back of a Honda accord. Police also found a syringe full of a presume sedative and cocaine.- Pattaya Mail